Deadly Fire Engulfs Mogadishu’s Suuq Bacaad Market, Dozens of Businesses Destroyed

Mogadishu, Somalia – August 4, 2025 — A massive fire has ravaged Suuq Bacaad, Mogadishu’s second-largest open-air market after Bakara, destroying major sections of the commercial hub and claiming at least three lives, including that of a young girl.

The fire reportedly started at approximately 5:15 PM local time in the section of the market where household goods and kitchenware are sold, according to local media. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as traders and residents scrambled to save their goods while the flames spread uncontrollably.

Multiple sections of the market — including the gold stalls, Vendor stalls, food vendors, money exchange kiosks, and the butchery — were completely destroyed.

“The fire caused extensive damage. My four shops are gone, and my neighbor’s daughter died in the fire,” said one devastated trader.

Another eyewitness, a volunteer helping with rescue efforts, told Dalsan TV that the fire began suddenly and overwhelmed the market within minutes.

“We tried to save what we could. The damage is enormous. A young girl died, and her father — one of the shop owners — is now in shock and barely conscious,” he said. “We told him a white lie to protect him emotionally — we said she was rescued and taken to the hospital.”

Emergency services reportedly arrived late to the scene due to heavy traffic congestion and narrow roadways leading into the market. Many have criticized the city’s lack of infrastructure and disaster preparedness.

Deputy Governor for Security and Political Affairs at Benadir Regional Administration, Mr. Mohamed Yabooh, visited the scene and expressed regret over the slow emergency response.

“We’re deeply saddened by the tragedy. The poor road access significantly delayed the arrival of fire services. We will be reassessing the market’s structure and urban planning to prevent future disasters,” he said.

Universal Somali TV reported that nearly all commercial stalls in the market were either completely destroyed or heavily damaged. Local businessman Ibrahim Muse shared his grief:

“Three of my shops burned to the ground. My mother also lost her businesses. Tonight, we’ve become a family with nothing. Everything is gone.”

He added that repeated fires at Suuq Bacaad are often the result of overcrowded market spaces and blocked roads, which severely hinder firefighting efforts.

The incident has prompted renewed calls for urgent reform in market infrastructure, emergency access routes, and support for small-scale traders — many of whom lost their entire livelihoods overnight and lack any form of insurance.